New ordinance increases fines by up to 300%, introduces jail terms and electronic ticketing to curb traffic violations
The Punjab Law Department has issued a new traffic ordinance introducing stricter penalties and significantly higher fines for violations in an effort to improve road safety across the province.
Under the new rules, speeding fines have been increased by up to 300 percent. Motorcyclists caught speeding will face a fine of Rs2,000, while car drivers will be fined Rs5,000.
Traffic signal violations will also carry heavy penalties. Motorcyclists will pay Rs2,000, three wheelers Rs3,000, and cars Rs5,000. Vehicles with engines up to 2000cc will be fined Rs10,000, while those above 2000cc will face a Rs15,000 fine.
Strict penalties have also been introduced for overloading, with fines ranging from Rs3,000 for three-wheelers to Rs15,000 for trailers. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke will face fines between Rs2,000 and Rs15,000, depending on the vehicle type.
Authorities warned that driving without a fitness certificate could result in fines of up to Rs100,000 and possible imprisonment.
The ordinance also introduces six months’ imprisonment or a fine up to Rs50,000 for one-way violations. Penalties for underage driving have been doubled, and parents may also be held responsible.
Additional measures include strict punishment for fake or yellow number plates, jail terms of up to six months for non-standard tinted windows, and mandatory seat belts for both the driver and front passenger.
Officials said traffic challans will now be issued fully through an electronic ticketing system to improve transparency and enforcement.
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